US Bridges

I-77 Pax Exit RR over Willis Branch

Fair

Fayette County, West Virginia · 0.04 MI S of Pax I/C · Structure no. 00000000010A248

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
28,282
2020 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

I-77 Pax Exit RR over Willis Branch is a steel culvert carrying I-77 Pax Exit RR over Willis Branch in Fayette County, West Virginia. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger than the West Virginia average of 44.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 28,282 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,504 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

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CarriesI-77 Pax Exit RR
CrossesWillis Branch
Location0.04 MI S of Pax I/C
RouteInterstate 7700
CountyFayette County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.9159, -81.26948
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,282 (2020)
Projected traffic34,504 by 2040
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 km)
TollOn an Interstate toll segment under Secretarial agreement
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-77 Pax Exit RR over Willis Branch built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-77 Pax Exit RR over Willis Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does I-77 Pax Exit RR over Willis Branch carry?

About 28,282 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is I-77 Pax Exit RR over Willis Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m).

Who owns I-77 Pax Exit RR over Willis Branch?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.